Check out these St. Patrick’s Day books with your child

To learn more about St. Patrick, you and your child can check out books at your local library or favorite bookstore.

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While you might have plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by attending a parade or festival, consider including books about the holiday, Ireland and Irish folklore in your family’s traditions. Check out the following four St. Patrick’s Day books, many of which are available in public libraries and bookstores in the Chicago area.

Who was St. Patrick, anyway? If you and your child want to learn more about the saint, consider picking up “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” by Tomie dePaola. The book is illustrated in dePaola's signature style and explains the facts of the saint’s life. The book is geared to younger children, but older children and adults will also appreciate it.

If you’re looking for a whimsical Irish tale, then add dePaola’s “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” to your list. The story includes a fun allegory and teaches the lesson there can be too much of a good thing.

For more traditional Irish tales, you and your child will enjoy the classic “Fairy and Folk Tales of Ireland” by William Butler Yeats. The collection includes stories about giants, witches, saints, and more, and may be more appropriate for older children.

Pack your bags and plan a virtual trip to Ireland with Miroslav Sasek’s “This is Ireland.” The book gives a history of Ireland that is appropriate for children and includes information on the country’s culture and prominent landmarks. Originally published in 1964, later editions have been updated with current information about Ireland.